Kansas State University

Dear Arts & Sciences Students,

Welcome to the Fall 2023 semester at K-State! We’re glad you’re here! We have lots of fun and informative events planned for you, as well as resources to help you succeed. Keep reading to be in the know and get the most out of your time at K-State!

Meet the Deans (including a few fun facts!)

Chris Culbertson is the dean. He was selected to fill the position permanently in May, having served as interim dean for a year. Before that, he was associate dean for research for three years. He’s been at K-State for 21 years and hails from the chemistry department, where he was a member of the analytical division and served as lead advisor for 10 years. His research is focused on developing devices for the early diagnosis of diseases, especially cancers. He collaborates with other researchers to overcome biomolecule separation, detection and quantitation challenges in complex biological matrices.

Pizza or Tacos? Jimmy’s Taco Pie from AJ’s NY Pizzeria—the best of both worlds!

Do you have any tattoos? No

What was your first job ever? Church groundskeeper/janitor

Scott Tanona is the associate dean for academic affairs. He has served in this role since June 2020. He is also an associate professor of philosophy, specializing in the history and philosophy of physics, science in society, and ethics and values in science.

Pizza or Tacos? Both! Please don’t ask me to choose.

Do you have any tattoos? No

What was your first job ever? Paper route

Kimathi Choma is the assistant dean for diversity, recruitment and retention, a position he’s held since 2016, after serving as interim dean for a year and a half. Before that, he was in K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where he served as director of undergraduate public health programs and as the experience facilitator for the Master of Public Health program.

Not available at interview time.

Melinda Cro is the assistant dean for student success and engagement. She’s been in that role since June 2022. She is also a professor of French and Italian in the modern languages department. She started as a French Language Program coordinator in 2010 and has served as director of graduate studies and department head. She teaches courses from beginner language and culture to advanced undergraduate and graduate seminars in early modern studies (1500-1800), pedagogy, and digital humanities.

Pizza or Tacos? Pizza! ALWAYS PIZZA!

Do you have any tattoos? Nope. Although I think they are a beautiful means of self or cultural expression, I am afraid of needles.

What was your first job ever? I was an actress contracted in high school to work for a regional professional dinner theatre.

Ben Stark was appointed interim assistant dean for research and facilities in March 2023. He is a professor of theatre and associate director of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. He is the technical director for theatre and he advises the school’s marketing and management efforts. He teaches classes in technical design and professional development.

Pizza or Tacos? Pizza

Do you have any tattoos? Yes

What was your first job ever? Book shelver at the public library

Classes begin Monday, Aug. 21. Be sure to attend!

Your professors are here to help you, and office hours are weekly times set aside for you to drop by and ask questions about the course, its assignments, and tips for studying.

Want help with study skills or finding a tutor? The Academic Achievement Center is your one-stop shop for personalized support with your classes. In addition, several academic departments offer tutoring for their areas. Modern languages provides tutoring, group study and advising in the Kirmser Language Center, and mathematics offers Math Help Sessions for all levels, in person and via Zoom.

Get involved! There are lots of fun events during Week of Welcome to meet new people or reconnect with old friends. The Center for Student Involvement hosts a huge number of student organizations, all searchable by keyword, making connecting simple and easy!

For support from the Dean’s Office, contact our Center for Student Success and Engagement in 107 Calvin Hall, 532-6904, artsci@k-state.edu. The office closes during the noon hour.

Career development opportunities

Mentorship

The ArtSci Mentorship Program, which is open to all undergraduate students in the college, pairs students with professionals who provide insight and guidance for career preparation and pathways and help develop a professional network. Sign up by Sept. 4 to be onboarded in time for the program launch Sept. 11. To sign up, activate your WildcatLink account by signing in with your K-State eID and password, and then request membership in the ArtSci Mentorship Program. While awaiting approval, complete your profile. For information, contact the program coordinator, Zac Malcolm, malcoz@ksu.edu.

Professional Networking and Employment Events

Health Professions Networking Night
Tue., Sept. 12 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Union Ballroom
Co-sponsored by the College of Health & Human Sciences

The Health Professions Networking Night will give students the opportunity to build professional relationships with a variety of health industry employers in this area. It is for anyone considering careers in physical therapy, family or specialty medicine, hospitals, nursing homes, EMS, chiropractic, public health, fitness, and more. We’ll host a lunch-time workshop at 11:30-12:30 Sept. 5 to help students navigate the event and maximize this opportunity.

Coming in October…

Helping Professions Networking Night
Thu., Oct. 19 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Union Bluemont Room
Co-sponsored by the College of Health & Human Sciences

Arts & Sciences Alumni Career Panel and Networking
Thu., Oct. 26 | 11:30-1 p.m. | Location TBD
Four dynamic ArtSci alumni who have built exceptional careers since their time at K-State will discuss doing environmental/sustainability, humanities, nonprofit and government work. Come hear how they developed their careers, how their college experience helped, and advice for entering the job market. This is an excellent professional development opportunity!

Open Option has Drop-In Hours!

Not sure what you should major in? Drop in to 107 Calvin Hall to talk to an Open Option advisor!

Tuesdays | 9:30-11 a.m.
Wednesdays | 1:30-3 p.m.
Thursdays | 2:30-4 p.m.

They can help you:

• Explore K-State academic programs
• Identify your current struggles and develop a plan for solving them
• Find and navigate university resources
• Understand your GPA and university policies and deadlines
• Find and understand your curriculum

Learn more about Open Option

Public Transportation Update

Flint Hills ATA provides public bus service, including K-State Park & Ride, which operates on campus for free with a K-State ID. A recent change, however, is that all riders must now pay bus fares when off campus (previously free for K-State ID-holders). Learn more from this article from KMAN news radio.

New Student Welcome

New College of Arts and Sciences freshman and transfer students will do some fun activities, get to know fellow students, hear from deans and current students, and meet representatives from their major departments.

Fri., Aug. 18 | 9:30-11:30 a.m.
K-State Student Union Ballroom

K-State Pep Band entertains Aggieville

Start the academic school year off right with an energetic performance by the K-State Pep Band in Aggieville. They’ll walk from the new Tracz Family Band Hall to the corner of 12th & Moro Streets.

Sat., Aug. 19 | 8 p.m.
Campus to Aggieville

Arts & Sciences Coffee Break

Students get free Bluestem Bistro coffee and Varsity donuts.

Tue., Aug. 22 | 9-11 a.m.
Calvin Hall, Front Lawn

ArtSci Aggieville Adventure

Students explore Aggieville in an action-packed scavenger hunt and receive free caffeine and prizes. The first 40 get an Aggieville swag bag!

Wed., Aug. 23 | 4-6 p.m.
Calvin Hall, Front Lawn

Education Abroad Expo

Learn about education abroad opportunities in the College of Arts and Sciences. Visit with faculty members who lead short-term programs, program providers, the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships, the Passport Center, and more! Refreshments provided.

Wed., Sept. 6 | 11:30-1:30
Hale Library, 2nd Floor

Lunch with the Deans: Freshman edition

Each month students are invited to a Lunch with the Deans, to get to know them better, voice questions and concerns, and chat about student life. In Sept., it’s open to freshmen. Other students also get a turn.

Wed., Sept. 13 | Noon-1 p.m.
301 Calvin Hall

All college events